Carpenter Apprenticeship TestsCongratulations you have passed the carpenter apprenticeship test. You see it was not that complicated and hard – it was just taking an ordinary test as if you were in high school. But what happens now after passing it?

 

 

This is probably what circling in your mind. The next step is that you will wait for your name to be called because you will put in the list of applicants to be interviewed by the union where you are applying.

After you’ve been interviewed, and it turns out to be successful, you will then be asked to undergo a physical and substance abuse tests.  When you get your confirmation that you’re ready to join, you will be listed as an approved applicant.

At that point, you’re not a member yet and you don’t need to pay the initiation fees and settle the membership dues. The union will call you.
The waiting period before you can be called will depend on the union if there is a significant need for an additional workforce for your level. I recommend waiting at least 2 weeks before you do a follow-up.

If you received a call asking you to come to the union office, that’s the time you will sign a membership contract and other documents and pay the initiation fees.

If everything has been done, then you are now an official member of the union.

We commend you! Joining the union is just the first step of the process to attain your goal of being a skilled carpenter.

What’s the Passing Score to Pass the Apprentice Test?

Actually, the passing score is just like with most unions – you have to obtain at least 70% or higher in order to pass the apprenticeship test. The passing grade varies, check with the union where you’re applying.

But when is your exam date? After you submit an application and after they officially received it, applicants will receive an email indicating the exam date. It is approximately two (2) weeks after the submission of the application.

The email does also contain other details, so please read it thoroughly so that you would not miss anything. The exam location is at the office of the union where you are applying.

You will get your exam results two (2) weeks after taking it. If you get a passing mark, the union will call you to inform you about your interview date.


If you are not successful, you can ask the union when are you going to be eligible again to submit the application for the next try. Policies vary from one union to another regarding this matter.

What You Can Do To Boost Your Chance of Passing the Apprenticeship Test?

The test is composed of written and practical portions. And I know, it is in the written portion where most applicants are having a hard time. If you are an experienced individual, I know, you have a good grasp of the different terminologies in carpentry and safe work practices. But if you’re new, I recommend being acquainted with these subjects in order to prepare.

The other thing you can do to prepare for the written test is to have a good grasp of Math subjects such as Geometry, algebra, statistics, calculus, figure conversion, fractions, decimals, percentage, etc.

The practical test is the skill assessment. To pass this portion, you just have to exhibit your skill in different areas –the instructor will give you a small project to do, which involves showing your knowledge in accurate measurement, fastening, use of different tools, safe work practices.

If you have a colleague who is a union carpenter, ask him how he got into passing the practical test, he may have a good suggestion since he has the actual experience.

If you have previous work experience, then you don’t have to worry much, it is easy for you. But for beginners, we recommend having basic skills to boost your chance of getting into the union.

The time it takes to complete the written and practical tests depend on how many applicants are simultaneously taking them. In some circumstances, the practical test is to be scheduled for some other day after the applicant passed the written test.

 

 

What Will Happen During the Interview?

You will know that you’re successful in passing the practical test if you received a notification in your mail that you are scheduled for an interview. But what really happens during this? How can you prepare for the interview?

Don’t get a misconception that you’re officially a union member if you got a slot for an interview. Just like an employment process, this is the last step before you get a thumb’s up.

Please expect to ask these questions during the interview:

  • What are the qualifications and experience for you to join the carpenters union?
  • What are the skills you have to be a carpenter?
  • What are the equipment and machinery you are familiar to use?
  • What was the project you have completed and what role did you perform to accomplish the tasks?

Prepare a good answer to the above questions, most likely these will be asked by the interviewer.

Interview for journeyman might be more rigorous than an interview for apprentice or carpenter. Show the interviewer that you really want to be a carpenter and will go to great lengths to learn and that you will do whatever it takes to do the assigned job.

The idea is to give emphasis about your passion for being a carpenter and how interested you are in this field to make a lasting impression.
The best advice we can give you is to be honest so that you can answer each and every question with confidence.

If everything went well, and you are told to undergo substance abuse and physical tests, then, you know you got their approval.
Congratulations, it is the start of a challenging and rewarding career in the union.

 

 

To Make a Conclusion

Just like any other job hiring process, getting into the union is the same. It involves passing the written and practical apprenticeship tests and finally at the end is the interview process.

For many, it is scary, it should not be as long as you have what it takes to join the carpenters union, there is nothing to worry about.

The last word we can give is don’t base your future on luck, be prepared and have the knowledge first.

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